The other day, I time traveled. Here’s what happened: I was just driving along with my 3-year-old and 3-month-old in the backseat of the SUV when all of a sudden, a song came on the radio. You know those songs that have such strong links to the past that they immediately transport you back in time? The songs that remind you of eighth-grade dances, old boyfriends and summers at the beach? Well, this was one of those songs.
It came on the radio and BAM! I was 16 again, driving down the road with the tape blaring from the tape deck of my black Chevrolet Cavalier, windows cranked down, unglued red ceiling upholstery rippling in the breeze.
I can remember this scene clear as day. I remember feeling free, unfettered– the world was mine for the taking.
I snapped back to the present and glanced in the rear-view mirror at my two children, both of whom had fallen asleep in the backseat. “I’m definitely not unfettered, now,” I thought, looking at my sleeping fetters. And that’s when I had a rare moment of clarity.
At 16, when the world was mine for the taking, do you want to know what I wanted to take? Everything I now have: loving husband, son, daughter, cozy home, energizing career, car with upholstery intact.
In other words, I have everything I always dreamed of. Which was quite a moment of clarity, considering I tend to keep a constant tally of what I’d like to have but don’t (new couch, granite countertops, trip to Italy). Looking in that rear-view mirror, I was honestly overwhelmed with the reality that I am absolutely, unequivocally, without a doubt BLESSED.
And I realized that if, at age 16, I had been able to time travel forward, into that exact moment of time, and seen myself, driving down the road in my big ol’ SUV with my two precious fetters, I would have been blown away by how incredible my future was going to be. (Not to mention the complete awe I would have felt at my six-disk CD changer.)
The truth of my life–and I bet it’s the same for yours–is that we are WAY more blessed than we generally take time to acknowledge. So, go ahead. Acknowledge it.
What an awesome reminder that we need to count our blessings more often. But time travel by listening to the golden oldies of younger days is fun too.
Elizabeth has a definite gift for communicating thoughts so many of us have! Just change the make and models of the vehicles and a few other minor details and this article could be all about me! I always love reading her articles!!!
Amazing how the “clarity” moments creep up on you when you least expect it!
You hit it on the nose, Elizabeth. Far too often we think about what we DON’T have rather than what we DO have…perhaps if I threw away the Pottery Barn catalog as soon as it arrived I wouldn’t focus on new sheets for the guest room or personalized Adirondack chairs for my kids. We are so blessed! Life is good- no complaints here!
I had a similar experience when I was walking into Publix last week. I caught a glimpse of three shadows–Holding Lily Kate on my hip with Owen’s hand in mine…EVERYTHING I ever wanted!
I love you and our fetters!
this is so true. thanks for the awesome reminder!!!